“The Night of Light is an international initiative to reclaim Halloween as a joyful Christian celebration. In many countries around the world children’s celebrations are being organised, as are prayer gatherings, with people putting a light in their window to visibly witness to neighbours and friends. The evening of 31 October is called Halloween (‘All Hallows Eve’) and is the vigil (beginning) of the Feast of All Saints – the feast in which Catholics celebrate the glory of God in His saints, the victory of light over darkness in the lives of God’s holy ones in heaven. Jesus is the ‘Light of the World’. The saints lived by that light, and became a beacon in their own generation. Everyone is called by Jesus to live out this vocation – to be the ‘Light of the world’ for others today.”
Damian Stayne, the founder of the Catholic community, Cor et Lumen Christi
As participants are able, suggested key elements of the Night of Light include:
Attending a vigil Mass for the Feast of All Saints
Spending all night adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
Providing treats and fun for children in celebration of All Saints and the Light of Christ; e.g. a bonfire or dressing up as saints.
Placing a light in your window (safely) as a sign to passers-by that yours is a Christian household and Christ is your light.
Some may like to wear a white item of clothing as a symbol of their allegiance to Christ, Our Light.
“Halloween is now the biggest commercial festival after Christmas and Easter, and it is time we reminded Christians of what it really is. The celebration of feast days is an important part of our Catholic culture. On the evening of 31 October why not do something to make your faith respectfully seen and heard? Light a candle or display publicly another kind of light, for example, perhaps alongside an image of Christ. This could be a powerful way in which we can show people that we have hope in someone other than ourselves. The light will provoke questions and is a way that people can be signposted to goodness. I encourage everyone to participate.”
Bishop Kieran Conry (Arundel and Brighton), Chair of the Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis
Additional ideas and resources to celebrate the night can be found on nightoflight.org.
Children’s resources: nightoflight.org/children.php
Leaflets and posters to download: nightoflight.org/downloads.php
On Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Night-of-Light
Revd Nigel Chapman, from the Anglican Diocese of York, has put together a list of websites to provide ideas:
us5.campaign-archive2.com/
Page materials collated by the Home Mission Desk.
